Ultimate Christmas Mix CD

Siri told me a couple of days ago that it is twenty-nine days until Christmas.

Even though Thanksgiving hadn’t yet arrived, it seemed right that I started spreading the good cheer with 1) putting my Christmas tree up and 2) replacing my regular music with my Christmas selection.

As such, I decided it’s important to have the right mix of Christmas music to celebrate the holidays:

1. Christmas Lullaby (I Will Lead You Home) – Amy Grant

Amy Grant fills my little heart with such joy. Yes, this is kind of slow song and is probably better for going to bed, but I love this message of Christmas—you can always find a way home.

2. Do You Hear What I Hear? – Carrie Underwood

I loved this song when I had to sing it in choir for the winter concert. The harmonies are tight. Truth be told, I do a mean harmony to Carrie’s lead. If you pull up next to me at a stoplight during the next 29 days, you’ll probably hear our duet.

3. Angels, We Have Heard on High – Josh Groban and Brian McKnight

Josh Groban. Really. The guy can sing. Him and Brian McKnight? This song uses just something. Did I mention I like joining in as a trio? I think they need a solid female vocal as backup. I’m willing to offer it, of course.

4. My Grown Up Christmas List – Kelly Clarkson

Although I first remember hearing this song with Amy Grant at vocals, Kelly Clarkson has won a place in my heart with her rendition. I really feel like she’s hoping for a brighter Christmas

5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Francesca Battistelli

Sure, I love the Judy Garland version from Meet Me In St. Louis as much as the next person, but sometimes we need an upbeat Christmas song. This cover definitely makes me want to dance and even make a Christmas film just so I can use this song in the final montage (Um… hello, it’s definitely going to be a Christmas Rom-Com if I have any say in it).

6. Tennessee Christmas – Matt Wertz

I love this song. I loves this rendition. Of course, the only Christmas for me is one in San Diego where there is no snow on the ground, but I’m willing to admit that I still love this long.

7. Nutcracker – Tepak (Russian Dance)

Sure some people will say that they love the Sugar Plum Fairy song, but I love the Russian Dance from the Nutcracker. It’s lively and makes you want to kick and yell and run around the house.What more could you ask for?

8. Los Pastores a Belen – David Archuleta

I spent 2 Christmases in Spain and so I love a good villancico. Of course, as soon as I heard this version, I was hooked. I love hearing about the shepherd who tripped over his shoes.

9. I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Josh Groban

This one legitimately makes me cry. The voices of those brave men and women giving their Christmas wishes is enough to make anyone with half a heart tear up. Then to hear Josh Groban’s beautiful voice singing about how he’ll be home for Christmas, yeah… tissues are needed nearby.

10. Text Me Merry Christmas – Straight No Chaser ft. Kristen Bell

Maybe they posted it before Thanksgiving, but there was something so great about this video. One thing I hate is my phone blowing up on Christmas morning with a thousand “Merry Christmas” messages. But I do love knowing that I’m loved.

11. Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth – David Bowie and Bing Crosby

I remember watching this song on VH1’s Pop-up video program (do they even still have this? I haven’t had VH1 channel in a long time…). It’s only been in recent years that I’ve loved this duet and rendition of Little Drummer Boy. It’s a little more upbeat and Bing and Bowie definitely make a great team.

12. White Christmas – Neil Diamond

I grew up listening to Neil Diamond’s Christmas album every December. It’s my mother’s favorite Christmas album. It wasn’t Christmas until Neil joined the circulation. Even to this day, that album is sacred and will never be pulled out before December 1. The intro to this song talks about Christmas in LA. As a California girl, I’m prone to want nothing less than a green Christmas with palm trees. But this song makes me want to have a White Christmas for maybe just a second.

Addendum:

13. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays – *NSync

I failed to give a big shout out to my guys, *NSync for this tune. It has been my jam since high school and it will probably be forever in my Christmas rotation.

What songs are your favorites to listen to at Christmas? Tell me in the comments below.